Linda,
  Since there are a number of manufacturers of items, until one can be
assured that all are safe it is "let the buyer beware". If you can assure
yourself that the particle board is safe, fine; if in doubt do without.

  Yes, polyethylene zip-lock bags will help. They will create a
microclimate around the shell. They limit gas diffusion and fluctuations
in relative humidity. More and more of my specimens are finding themselves
in zip-lock bags. I have lost fewer specimens such as Pyganodon and
Anodonta to cracking since using zip-lock bags and a dehumidifier.

Regards,
Charlie
******************************************************************************
Charlie Sturm, Jr
Research Associate - Section of Mollusks
                     Carnegie Museum of Natural History
                     Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Assistant Professor - Family Medicine

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On Tue, 1 Apr 2003, lindawbush wrote:

> Hi, Charlie and Company!
>
> Someone replied to me or to the list that particleboard is
> no longer the liability that it used to be, as they have
> changed the adhesive composition that is used.  She said
> that her husband is involved in the manufacture of
> particle board, or is at least more informed than the
> usual person about the current construction of it.
>
> Question?  Wouldn't the use of plastic bags for each shell
> help to protect the shells inside such a cabinet?  (I have
> a good large curio cabinet of acceptable wood for my best
> shells.)
>
> Cordially,
> Linda
>